Hi everyone :) I want to thank God for his blessings and all of you loyal readers who continue to read and appreciate this story :)

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Important Warning: Casual alcoholic drinking is mentioned in this chapter for storyline purposes only.

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Chapter 26 is made of 3 parts, so please do read parts 1 and 2 to understand part 3.

Chapter 26 was a long chapter for me and I truly put in my heart into writing this chapter. I was writing to the last minute to posting this chapter and I wrote more than 13 hours today, so believe me I am trying my best to write the best that I can :)

If you wish to encourage me to write further, you may upvote this chapter only if you wish to do so. I really want to know how many readers actually like the storyline, so if you only wish to do so, you can upvote this chapter only if you liked reading this chapter :)

I want to ask why do you think Anika is confused?

Also, what do you think is wrong with the Oberoi family and if an inner war is being waged in the family against Shivaay?

What do you think is in Shivika's future :)

Again, I tried my best and wrote the best I could. I was quite tired by the end of posting these three chapters, so if possible, if you like this chapter, then if you wish, you can upvote this chapter :) I hope this story succeeds because I really tried my best.

P.S. I purposely made Part 3 simple because dialogues can say more than descriptions sometimes :)

Ch. 26 of is more Anika's point of view because this chapter sets up her journey in the crazy Oberoi family. She will be introduced to the weird, unsupportive family Shivaay has and she will change a little towards Shivaay in the end of the ch.

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Part 3

My thoughts drowning and submerging as fear ran rampant. My nerves catching on and putting my body in overdrive as I trembled and tumbled up the steps of the large brown brick colored building towering towards me. My heels clinking loudly against the steps as I rushed leaving the others behind me.

I wonder how Shivaay is? I remember he got hurt in the fight. I hope he got first aid. Are they interrogating him right now? What must be happening to him? I clasped my hands worriedly together as I opened the door to the entrance of the police station quickly making my way through.

"Anika, for God's sake, please slow down!" Armaan yelled after me as he grabbed my arm pulling me towards him. I bit my lip angrily as I looked at him before snatching my arm out of his grip.

"Aren't you overreacting?" He questioned as my eyes widened quite shocked by his question as I looked at him.

"Overreacting? Shivaay got arrested for God's sake! Arrested because of me!" I yelled as Omkara ran up to me raising his hand up.

"Anika stop. Don't talk about this here. You know that right?" Omkara said as I looked at him surprised.

"What do you mean? I am going to go to the police officer and make a statement. I was going to make a statement right then and there, but you all stopped me and told me to come to the police station. And now you all are telling me to not make a statement." My voice echoing as a police officer looked at us through a glass window.

"Shhh....Anika...we all heard what Shivaay said. We are only doing this to save your pride and honor. We are following what Shivaay said," Om argued. He looked around as he appeared unusually calm and collected considering his brother is in jail.

I sighed as I shook my head in frustration. Guilt and shame both coming at me all at once and convoluting my thoughts. What are they saying? I cannot sacrifice Shivaay for my pride and honor. Even though Shivaay told me to not make a statement, it doesn't mean I will listen to him. I have to save him. He supported and saved me tonight and I have to the same for him.

"Anika, come let's sit down on the bench here and let Om and Armaan handle it ok?" Gauri said as she pulled my arm leading me to the bench. I shook my head at her as Gauri made me sit down.

"What is this Gauri? I feel like something is off. How can Armaan and Om say this? Moreover, what about Priyanka and Akash? Both of them just left and went home without a care about Shivaay!" I exclaimed as Gauri filled up a styrofoam cup with water handing it to me. My eyes darting to Om and Armaan as they walked to the glass window where the police officer was seated. They appeared to speak in low voice before looking back at us.

"This is how this family is Anika. Everything is not what it appears to be. If you think someone in this family gives two cents about Shivaay then you are wrong my dear..." My eyes widening as I looked at Gauri quite appalled by the statement she made.

Not care? What does she mean? I mean at Priyanka's wedding, everyone appeared happy and lively. Nothing seemed off besides Shivaay's normal habit of being aloof...wait a minute...I bit my lip as I realized Gauri's words may hold some truth. I remember how Shivaay never mentioned his family when we were married...not once despite how much I forced him to introduce him to his family, he didn't claiming his family wasn't ready to know our truth.

"W-what about Priyanka?" I asked nervously as Gauri sighed shrugging her shoulders.

"Priyanka? Are you kidding me? I mean Priyanka cares for Shivaay, but she has changed ever since getting married. She listens to Akash always and Akash and Shivaay are not on best terms right now..."Gauri whispered as she looked back at Om assuring he wouldn't hear.

I sighed as I clasped my hands together realizing what kind of a family the Oberois may be. They truly are not what they may project themselves to be. Maybe this is the reason why Shivaay doesn't get along with them.

"Shivaay got charged with disorderly conduct and battery. At least that is what they are going to charge him with," Om announced as he walked up towards us.

"What about bail?" I questioned getting up as I looked at him feeling quite nervous and worried about Shivaay. I don't know why I am so worried, but I feel bad considering he is in this problem because of me.

"We will try I mean his lawyer is at the hospital," Om remarked as my mouth gaped open. This cannot be happening right now. Since when did this happen? I thought as I looked at him confused.

"So? Find another lawyer," My voice coming off as cold and annoyed as I looked at Om. He looked at me with a tinge of anger as he moved his eyes back towards Gauri trying to hint at something. I raised my eyebrow feeling something is off. My gut is telling me something is wrong here and I don't know what it is. My eyes wandering to Armaan who appeared to be on the phone in the distance.

"I-I will try to call, but look it is ten at night. Who is going to pick up and come?" Om said giving out an eerie breathy laugh as I raised my eyebrow at him utterly confused by his body language. Why is he laughing? What is wrong with him? His brother is in jail and this is how he is acting?

I crossed my arms angrily as I looked at him. "What do you mean? You are the Oberois and he is Shivaay Singh Oberoi! What do you mean that you cannot find a lawyer to come and post bail for him. Call Shakti uncle and let him bring a lawyer and post bail," I argued as Om rolled his eyes and looked at me.

"Papa? If papa finds out now, I don't what he will do and how he will react. It's better we don't tell him now."

"I know Shakti uncle will be upset, but I know he cares about Shivaay and will come," I argued back as I noticed Armaan walking towards us.

"Anika, let me take you home," Armaan said with a lowered tone and much more calmer demeanor than before. He placed his hand on my arm as I snatched it away. I bit my lip as I looked at him. Anger slowly building itself up as I realized how Shivaay had ended up partly due to this man.That is it.

"Oh please! Stop this sympathy Armaan! For once back off from me because I don't want to see you!" I yelled as Armaan looked quite taken aback from my anger. Anger now beginning to pump through me as I clenched my fists tightly.

"What do you mean?"

"What do I mean?! Oh really? Shivaay got in trouble because he punched a man who harassed me and attempted to molest me! This was the same man who was looking at me as a pervert, along with his friends, when we were both dancing. I told you about them and you could have reported those men to the security at the club which you failed to do!"

Armaan furrowed his eyebrows as he grabbed my wrist holding on to it tightly. Gauri jumping forward as she pulled me back from Armaan angrily.

"Hey behave Armaan!" Gauri yelled back at him as Armaan threw his head up in the air.

"Oh stop Gauri! Stop supporting Anika! Anika, you have gone berserk in terms of supporting Shivaay. Justice has been done by putting him in jail today. He was getting out of hand and I think it would be best he spends at least a day in jail!"

I stood shell shocked as I took a step back. Om's colors changing as his eyes darkened. His demeanor and ego enlarged as he appeared to clench his jaw tightly. A clear representation of greed and need for power reflecting upon Om.

This is Shivaay's brother? Is this man really Shivaay's brother? How can he say such words about him? I cannot believe this. What am I hearing?

Armaan grabbed my arm turning me towards him as I stood utterly confused. My nausea coming back as chills ran through me. "How dare you support that Shivaay in front of me?! Do you know what you are doing right now?! You are comparing me to that low-life!"

I clenched my teeth as I heard those words come out of his mouth. How dare he speak in that manner about Shivaay? Who is he to make such statement about him? No matter what went down between Shivaay and I, I know that Shivaay doesn't deserve this insult...despite who he was and is, he saved me tonight proving how much he has come to value a woman's honor. He was different before and didn't value me, but tonight he did.

"Shut up! You are the coward Armaan! You are a coward! Shivaay saved me! He saved my pride and honor and I don't give a damn about you right now because at the end of the day Shivaay supported me! No matter how I treat him or talk to him, he still came, saved me, and supported me! On the other hand, you told me to ignore those perverts! You didn't give a two hoots about the situation or my safety! So you know what Armaan? Go to hell!"

I felt my heart pounding against my chest as I unleashed my anger upon him. I rightfully did the right thing by showing Armaan the truth and his reality. How dare Armaan do this to me and say such nonsense about Shivaay? He has no right to do so. I began to chew my lip in anger as a police officer came out.

"Hey! Keep it down!" She yelled as she walked towards me. I furrowed my eyebrows as I looked back at Armaan and Om. Their loose demeanor, eeringly calm and collected, without speaking another word was unusual to me. I knew in an instant that they are not going to support Shivaay and bail him out. They are playing excuses right now and I know it.

"Ma'am what is wrong?" The officer questioned as she walked up to me. I shook my arm away from Armaan's grip as I grabbed a hold of my purse and quickened my pace towards her.

A sense of determination breaking out and destroying the timidness I always have embraced. God and faith somehow empowering me as I held my head high. Shivaay saved me tonight and for once he valued me. No matter what our relationship is, I will support him today. I will not falter and back away in this moment. I will hold up my values and fight for him.

"Hello officer. My name is Dr. Anika Malhotra and I am here to make a statement for the case that came involving Shivaay Singh Oberoi."

Shivaay's Point of View

https://youtu.be/kes-EzaS9dM

I laid my head against the cement wall as I sat on to the cement bench. My eyes wandering to the empty hallow jail cell as it stood dark with a light barely flickering in the hallway. I felt my lip sting from the punch it had received. Taking an ice pack, I placed it lightly against my lower lip trying to subside the pain.

I hope Anika is ok. Her innocent eyes full of fear appearing in my mind as I replayed the chaotic scene in the my mind. My blood boiling upon remembering a stranger laying his filthy hands on Anika. How dare someone touch her? No one can dare to to do that. No one.

No one can dare to lay their hand on the woman that Shivaay Singh Oberoi has chosen to love.

I sighed as the smell of alcohol filled up my senses with realization of how intoxicated I was right now. My head feeling heavy as I felt my thoughts slightly spinning and mixing with one another due to the alcohol.

My mind only being clear on one subject which was Anika. I smiled as I remembered our dance, how our bodies matched in rhythm with one another bringing it close....remembered how I pulled her towards a corner and lured her...remembered the touch of her lips against mine as she drew me in. Laying my fingers on my lips, I remembered the taste of her sweetness...a taste of her hesistance and shyness towards me...I know she loves me...I saw it when she looked into my eyes tonight in the hallway...I saw it when in the way she found comfort in my arms...solace in me.. She still loves me and that's what matters.

I love you Anika. I love you so much that I can do anything for you. I have chosen to love you and now I will do anything and everything to keep you safe, protect you, and make you feel loved. I will never let another man lay his finger on you. Never.

Laying my head against the wall, I stared out into the empty hallway. How long do I expect to be here? Probably the entire night. If I know my brother and Armaan, I know they are going to make me stay in jail tonight.

Bailey Madison is in the hospital, so I cannot contact him to bail me out. I could contact the corporate lawyers, but it is late at night and considering they are such old lawyers, they have a good rapport with Papa and will immediately tell him. I can handle Papa, but I know he is going to be so bitter about the situation and further fuel the fire. Right now I am not in the mood to deal with Papa.

I guess I am spending the night here.

Anika's Point of View

"This is my story. Shivaay saved me tonight. Saved my pride and honor from that filthy and disgusting man..." I whispered as I felt tears spill down my cheeks. The feeling of having my privacy violated at the hands of that stranger still filling me up with disgust and outrage. The fact he touched me without my permission and showed his pervetedness makes me feel repulsed and so humiliated. Still...I have not fully come into terms with what happened to me.

Officer Barns squeezed my hand as she handed me a cup of water. My hands trembling still from fear regarding what might have happened tonight. I drank the water slowly trying to relieve my nonsensical fear knowing that stranger was also in jail tonight.

"Well this is a different story and why didn't you make the statement before?" Officer Barns asked.

I sighed as I looked at her. I want to tell you how Shivaay's family stopped me and how Shivay himself told me not to say anything, but it is better I keep my mouth shut and not say more. "I was shocked and it felt discomforting to describe this incident..." I whispered as it was the truth. The last hour of interrogation has been somewhat humiliating and discomforting as I have to recount many times on how that stranger touched me tonight without my permission.

I feel as if I still cannot process what happened. My emotions numb as I feel a sense of heaviness inside of me. I know I am going to be processing this event for some time before I understand what happened.

"So did he rape you or anything...?" Officer Barns questioned as I immediately shook my head.

"Absolutely not officer. Shivaay saved me from such even being able to happen. Thank God," I whispered as Officer Barns nodded.

"Ok...we will be collecting video footage from the scene and see what happened. We can let him go, but...but he still needs bail as the files of misdemeanor have been charged. In these couple of days, the prosecutor will look at the charges and likely drop them if your argument has good weight to it. Alright?" Officer Barns said as I nodded.

Great. How am I going to help Shivaay bailed? I bit my lip worriedly as Officer Barns led me out the exit and into the main lobby. I sighed as I realized the lobby was empty. No one was in sight.

I took a step back quite surprised as I walked around in the lobby thinking someone from the Oberoi family would be here, but there was no one. Om, Gauri, and Armaan vanishing like thin air. What just happened? I held on to my purse tightly as my throat tightened in anxiety that was now soon approaching me.

How can his family just leave him like that? How can they just walk away knowing Shivaay is in jail? And Armaan...? I never would think Armaan would behave in such manner. How idiotic was I to think Armaan was a gentleman? Of course, Armaan is an Oberoi. Of course, he wouldn't give a damn. I cannot believe how wrongly I judged Armaan. Maybe Armaan is not what he portrays himself to be.

Why are they treating Shivaay in such manner? Why don't they care for him? It's so odd considering they are his family while I am just a stranger and still standing here.

I sighed as I felt my head spin once more. Taking a deep breath, I laid my head against the wall feeling quite stressed at the moment. What am I going to do? I am all alone here and I don't even know how this legal stuff and bail works. I don't even know who to call or from whom to ask support from. God, what have I gotten myself into? What has fate gotten me into? How can his family just leave?

My eyes wandered to the clock realizing it was almost eleven. How will Shivaay be released tonight? What can I do? I cannot leave him alone tonight in jail after all he has done for me. He deserves better. No matter how he treated me in the past, the way he has saved and supported me tonight is remarkable...it's a big change for me. The way he fought is something I have not seen before...for once he committed a good deed and he doesn't deserve this neglect. He deserves justice.

Who is Shivaay's lawyer? Is it Bailey Madison? I think he is that famous lawyer that I remember seeing on TV a few weeks ago and fighting over a disputed property for the Oberois. I bit my lip nervously as I tried to knock back memory.

If I remember, Bailey Madison's fiancée is my colleague. Yes, it's Dr. Amy Candace and she is in my residency group. Wait...Amy just a few days ago was showing me pictures of their weekend outing. How can Bailey be in the hospital then? My eyes widened as I opened my phone quickly looking for Amy's number and pressing dial.

I know it is late at night, but I don't care. The phone rang three times before I heard a groggy voice on the other end of the line.

"Hello Amy, this Anika," I said trying to build up determination and command of my voice.

"Anika? What happened?" She questioned curiously as I sighed.

"Is your fiancée, Bailey at home with you? I need him to come to downtown San Francisco."

"Yeah Bailey is at home right now. Why downtown SF?"

I sighed as I realized Amy was going to keep questioning me. "Ok listen to me carefully...Shivaay Singh Oberoi is in jail and his brothers told me that his lawyer, which is Bailey, is at the hospital. Now you are telling me he is home. So, tell Bailey that I will tell Shivaay that he lied and is staying at home with you ok?" I hissed as I got up. My body suddenly feeling unusually commanding as I found myself dominating a conversation. Where did I get this sudden strength from and this need to exert my will in the way I want it to be?

"A-Anika...l-listen..."

"Cut the crap Amy please. I don't give a damn! Get Bailey here at SF to post bail for Shivaay ok? If Baily is not here then I will tell Shivaay and Bailey will lose his job and so will your dream wedding go down the drain. So, I am sending the address of the local police station and get Bailey here in an hour!" I suddenly bit my tongue as I felt frightful from my own demeanor that was appearing to change. It is as if a taste of Shivaay tonight rubbed off his trademark demeanor on to me. The way my mood swung in such dominance and aggression is indeed appalling.

"F-fine. He will be there ok." Amy shut the call off.

I sighed as I took a seat at the bench trembling in fright. What am I doing? I never threatened anyone before? I just threatened my colleague that her fiancée may lose his job. I would never do that. I mean I never in my life ever acted in such manner. What has come over me?

Why am I behaving this way? Why am I so worried about Shivaay and how he might be in jail? Why is it that his own loved ones left him alone tonight, but I...being a stranger has not left his side...I am still here...alone...scared and confused about how and what am I going to do to save him. My heart is being adamant and telling me to stay put for Shivaay. My heart is telling me to save him, to support him, and not leave him. He left me all alone many years ago, but despite that I am not leaving him tonight. The way he fought for me stole my heart...he stole my heart.

Shivaay's Point of View

Will Anika ever forgive me? Will she ever come by my side and support me? I know Anika loves me. The moment I married her, I took a piece of her soul with me and I still carry it. My heart and my soul are telling me that our relationship has not ended. My heart tells me that she still loves me and care for me. My soul tells me that she still has a part of me with her.

I sighed as I laid my head against the wall. The way I saved her tonight and fought for her is something that I have just done right now. Anika on the other hand has always supported me and stood by my side no matter what. No matter what problems I faced and what level of anger I projected at her from the problems I had, Anika always stood by me in our marriage.

I know right now that my brother and cousin have not fought for me outside. I know they don't give a damn about me right now or what state I am in. They never supported me before and probably never will. That's just how shallow our relationship is.

All I know is that the only person who has ever supported me is Anika. She always stood by me even when at times I failed to do so.

Flashback

I laid my head against my seat as I sighed from stress and realization regarding how much loss our hospitals were having recently. I cannot pinpoint what problem it is and how I can fix it. I have done everything possible and implemented good strategies, but still we are failing. My dream project is failing.

"What's wrong?" The soft, tender voice breaking my thoughts as I looked up tracing the small figure in front of me as a small bump peered from her saree. I looked up realizing it was Anika.

A weak, frail smile across her face as she smiled grabbing on to my hand and leaned against my chair. Recently, the pregnancy had taken a toll on her and brought on a severe case of nausea and vomiting. She had been bedridden for quite a few weeks due to the nausea. Initially, she was vomiting every few days, but now it has gotten worse leading her to feel weak, faint like, and fragile.

I sighed as I felt stressed both from worrying about Anika and her pregnancy along with the business.

She laid her soft hands against my hair running them through it. My eyes getting droopy as she ran her fingers through the waves of my hair. I closed my eyes finding peace in her tender, innocent touch.

"What happened?" She whispered as she leaned forward with her hair falling on to my face. My eyes looking into those innocent brown marbles as they glistened. Her cheeks slightly flushed as they brought on that peculiar pregnancy glow.

"Business problems..."I whispered as Anika bit her lip looking worriedly at me.

"I hope things get better Shivaay...But, I am sure they will..."She said as her innocence brought a smile across my face.

I don't know why, but these days her innocence is beginning to attract me more and more. The way she is so naïve about the cruel world and how she thinks about things so simply fascinates me...makes me curious about how someone can be so innocent and protected from the atrocities of the world. She hasn't seen what I have seen since a young age and that frightens me. I am scared how Anika is going to care for our baby and bring him or her up in this world as a brave and strong person considering how vulnerable and innocent she is herself.

Moving my face up as I looked at the ceiling, I wrapped my hand around the back of her head pulling her face close to mines' as I locked my lips against hers' immediately. She giggled lightly against my lips as I took in a taste of their sweetness. My lips simply adoring hers as they wanted more...more of her. I don't know why, but she is becoming more attractive to me than before and it feels weird. It feels odd in wanting to see her often, wanting to see her smile, be in her presence...it feels odd and scary...scary because I have never felt like this before towards anyone else...this level of a peculiar obsession and attraction...

"Stop...Shivaay..." She whispered against my lips as she giggled and lifted her lips from mines'. Her cheeks reddening as she looked away shyly. Her shyness clearly turning me on.

She entwined her hand into mines'. "Don't worry. I pray and hope everything get's well...I am sure when our child comes to this world then more luck will follow...Just wait and watch," Anika said giggling as I found comfort in her silly words. I have never believed in the idea of fate and luck, but still the way she says it with such innocence makes me want to believe and trust her, something I haven't done before.

"Hopefully. A business associate's daughter, Tia, is coming later this month for a year long project and hopefully the project succeeds," I remarked smiling as Anika smiled and brushed her fingers on the side of my cheek.

"I know this project will succeed and bring a lot of blessings and luck for you. Anika is always right!" She announced proudly as I raised my eyebrow looking at her.

"Oh really?"

"Yes, really," Anika said happily as she held her head high in the air. I smiled as I got up wrapping my hand around her wrist pulling her against me.

"What are you doing Shivaay?" She whispered as she lowered her gaze shyly as I leaned my faced forward bringing it closer to hers. Her breathing getting shallow as I found myself admiring her features. My eyes falling her quivering lips as she appeared to tremble with a sense of nervousness. I lightly chuckled as I wrapped my hands around her waist.

"Well we'll see then!" Without a second doubt, I picked her up in my arms as she screamed loudly and began to giggled. Her hands wrapping around me tightly as she giggled trying to control herself. I chuckled as I kissed her cheek before leading the way.

Present

I smiled as I remembered that moment...how she supported me when everything was falling apart. She stood besides me, trusted me, and encouraged me to continue to work hard. Her encouragement somehow making me feel better and helping me work hard. Sometimes I think, she partially contributed to my large success today. Her encouragement and then her strength in bringing Chaaya to this world who became my world and led me to work hard and do everything to bring her a better and brighter future.

However, I never stood by her. I left her in an instant without even thinking about the consequences. I left her for Tia...Not once thinking how I was betraying and how I might just break her heart considering how much she loved me. Not once did I think of her.

"Mr. Oberoi, you have been released." I suddenly looked up pulling myself out of my thoughts.

The jail cell's door rumbled against the cement floor as the police officer opened it. I looked at the police officer quite confused as I got up. Someone bailed me? What? So, was I wrong thinking Om and Armaan might not bail me out? I guess I was wrong about them. I guess I have judged my own family incorrectly.

Anika's Point of View

https://youtu.be/i1HpSzorjlc

I rubbed my hands back and forth blowing heat into them as I shivered and sat in patience against the wall. My eyes keeping still at the door through which Madison had entered with the police officer.

My fingers drumming in silence against the wooden bench as I nervously looked at the time realizing it was almost one in the morning now. I wonder what my parents might say. They haven't called yet and I am praying they are asleep right now because tonight has already been stressful and I cannot handle them on top of all of these problems.

I took a drink of water trying to drown down my nausea that was still not subsiding. I had thought of chewing a mint, but somehow the thought of it made me feel more nauseous and not wanting to have it. Pressing my fingers against my temples, I felt my hands sweat as I felt anxious and nervous about what might happen.

Guilt clearly overriding me and weighing down on my heart as I felt awful that Shivaay ended up in jail because of me. He got in all of this trouble only for me and I feel awful about it.

Hearing a loud creak, I suddenly looked up as I felt my heart skip on its pace for a moment. I slowly got up as I looked at him...Shivaay. He stopped in his tracks as he stood still. His eyes falling towards me as he appeared taken aback from seeing me in front of him. His eyes showing confusion and curiosity as he looked at me.

I slightly smiled as I looked at him, finding peace and feeling the heaviness lift from my heart. Without a second thought, I ran. My legs lifting up as my heels clinked against the ground.

My heart pounding loudly as I ran up to him and grabbed him pulling him tightly into my arms. My hands wrapping around his neck as I laid my head on his chest. Tears soon erupting from my eyes as I began to cry.

My stress breaking out. My heart breaking down. The tears coming from a wounded soul due to a savage act from a stranger. His hands immediately wrapped around me tightly as he pulled me into his chest. I breathed in his cologne as I found myself knowing that this was reality...that somehow I had gathered strength and fought for him and saved him from ill.

"Shhh...Anika...it's ok..." He whispered as I continued to cry not knowing why seeing him had broken me down. I don't know what is happening to me. My mood is changing and I was just anxious and now I am crying. Maybe it's all the stress from everything that finally broke me down.

I shouldn't be hugging him. It is wrong. This is so wrong. But here I am still in arms because somehow that's where I find comfort. I don't know why I hugged him and I don't know why I am crying, but all I know is that I need him in this moment when I feel like I am falling apart.

His hand running through my hair like he always did, calming me down and helping me relieve myself from any sadness and wounds I held. His lips brushing against my shoulder as I shivered under his touch.

"I-I was so worried Shivaay...I am so sorry..." I blubbered through my tears as Shivaay shook his head and laid his lips against my ears tenderly.

"Don't you dare say sorry. None of this was your fault. Ok? None of this was your fault and don't you dare think low of yourself alright?" Shivaay whispered as I shook my head and nuzzled my nose against his chest finding comfort in his arms.

The way he is holding me in this moment makes me feel protected. I know that no matter what, Shivaay will always support me and keep me safe. No matter what our differences are. No matter how distant we are, he always be here for me.

I lifted my head from his chest as I looked up at him. My eyes falling on to the large bruise near his lip. I flinched as I felt as if I had the bruise myself. My fingertips brushing against his bruise as he bit his lip in pain.

"Do you need an ice pack? How bad does it hurt?" I questioned as Shivaay slightly smiled as he let go of my waist showing me an ice pack.

"I am fine Anika. Alright? Are you ok? Tell me that first," He questioned softly as I bit my lips looking at him with hesitance.

I don't know what to say. I feel as if that stranger's touch is still on me. There is an unusual fear that the stranger might come back or someone else and something worse can happen. I am scared and I feel so violated at the moment. I want to say all of this to Shivaay, but I have already given him too much stress tonight.

"It's ok Anika...I know you feel violated and scared, but don't worry. That man is in jail today and he is not coming out soon," He said comfortly as I nodded. How can he read me so quickly? Shivaay smiled as he looked back at Madison.

"Where is everyone else?"

My breath stopped as I looked up at Shivaay. He doesn't know that...oh no. How is he going to feel knowing that his family abandoned him in such a big problem? Somehow the thought of it tugged my heart as I felt awful thinking about how I would feel if my family treated me like this. Is this why he is so cold and aloof with them?

"Who?" Madison questioned as I felt Shivaay's eyes follow back towards me. I lowered my gaze trying to avoid him and not be forced to speak out the truth on his family left him.

"Nothing. Just nothing," Shivaay whispered as he clicked his tongue. I looked up at him as he looked at me. His eyes appearing moist as he appeared hurt. I could tell he was hurt from learning no one else was here for him except me. I don't know why, but it hurts me to see him like this...so alone.

"I think you should thank Dr. Malhotra as she called my fiancée Amy and told her about the issue. I just got released from the hospital and heard about this situation, so I came," Madison noted. I threw a glare at him knowing he was lying about the part of being in the hospital.

Something is off and I don't know what, but something is wrong and big is happening and I should tell Shivaay, but not now. He already has had a long night and I shouldn't worsen the situation.

"I called your driver for you and he is outside waiting sir,"Madison noted as Shivaay shook his head.

"Thank you once again and I will see you tomorrow I hope," Shivaay replied as Lawyer Madison nodded before shaking his hand and making his way out.

I inhaled a deep breath as I felt nauseous once more. My eyes followed Shivaay as we stood awkwardly in silence. What are we even going to talk about? Tonight was so long and it went everywhere. One moment, I was made at Shivaay and the next we were so intimate. And look right now, I am standing here and supporting him which I haven't done in a long time. I don't know what's happening. What led me to become so intimate with him in snap of a moment? What pushed me to stand here all night waiting for him? Where is fate pushing me to? Where is fate taking both of us?

"Um...let's go Anika..." I looked up at him as he slightly smiled. My cheeks warming up as I felt oddly shy. I don't know why I was feeling shy, but I was.

We began walking out before we noticed a group of new reporters standing outside. They weren't here before. When Shivaay was arrested, he was led out by the back door at the club where there were barely any reporters. Also, I have been here for quite a while and there wasn't any reporters at all, so how did the reporters reach here?

"Is there a back exit? I don't want reporters to see us," Shivaay questioned a police officer. The police officer quickly led us to the back exit as Shivaay called the driver for his car.

We stood patiently in silence as I stared out at the dark road. Soon, a Mercedes parked itself in front as Shivaay opened the door for me. I smiled as I got in as Shivaay got in after me.

We began to drive off on to the wet, rainy road as rain began to pour over us. My eyes following back to him as I noticed Shivaay looking straight ahead. He appeared to keep a poker face, but utterly failing at it as I noticed a tear slip down his cheek.

I could tell he was hurting. The pain evident across his face as his bit his lip trying to hold back tears. I didn't know what to say or how to react. I do feel the need to reach out to him, but then who am I to him, so I can comfort him?

I looked out the window observing the rainfall and trying to relax by diverting my thoughts. Why am I so confused and conflicted? What is happening to me? I was happy with Armaan...happy until the point he decided to not fight for me in f ont of those perverts and how he spoke about Shivaay...Still even if Armaan was not in my life, I may not have given into Shivaay tonight, but somehow I did. His seduction lured me and my lust spoke...Have I been so lonely that the smallest intimate gesture attract me? But, then why doesn't Armaan make me feel this way the way I feel with Shivaay? I sighed as I took a deep breath with my hand going to my stomach as I laid there.

I felt a light touch against my hand as I turned around seeing Shivaay's hand holding on to mines'. Lifting up my eyes, I looked at him as I noticed a weak smile across his face...a sense of vulnerability reflected in it.

"Thank you Anika..." He whispered as he appeared to hold back tears. He gulped as he squeezed my hand.

I felt my heart skip a beat. I looked at him, feeling surprised from his word choice. Thank you? What?

"For everything...Why did you stay back for me?" He questioned as I looked away. I didn't know what to say. I mean what could I say besides that he saved me. But, where did my bravery come from? How did I suddenly decide to fight for him and break out of my shell? That is the question.

"Um...you saved me. You protected me. I think that is all I can say. I decided to support you because you supported me and saved my pride and honor..." I whispered as I bit my lip from crying. I remember the day he damaged my pride and honor by betraying me...using me...but today the way he fought for me put a small dent on that anger and frustration I have at him for leaving.

I looked up at him as he smiled rubbing his thumb against my hand.

"Anika..."

"No one has ever protected me like this...I don't know what happened, but I felt the need to support you because you stood by me..." I smiled as Shivaay otok a deep breath before looking away.

It's true. My parents took care of me, but the level of protection was never there. The idea was that they had a child and according to society they had to take care of it. Friends were rare, so I have always been kind of on my own, navigating the world in fear and vulnerability.

I looked at the ice pack on the car seat and grabbed it. Without any hesitance, I placed it against his lip. Flinching back, he turned his gaze towards me as I dabbed the ice pack against his bruise. My heart skipping a beat as I leaned closer to him making me remind myself of our intimacy at the club. Our closeness igniting a spark inside of me.

I diverted my thoughts as I looked at his bruise. I wonder how much pain he is in. Why did he get into such a serious fight? He shouldn't have done this for me.

"Don't fight like this next time? Please?"

Shivaay smiled as he rolled his eyes before he looked at me. "When it comes to you, I will fight for you Anika...I have realized my mistake of failing to stand by you in the past...failing to support you...so I am learning to how to stand up for someone else for once...stand up for you."

His words reminding of memories I didn't want to be reminded of...painful memories when he didn't stand by me, but tonight is different. Something changed...he stood by me...he always has been protective before, but the way he fought for me is something that appears different. The passion seen in his eyes in how he fought for me and my honor is something I haven't seen before.

"You are probably thinking what kind of family I have?" Shivaay said chuckling as he looked at his palm appearing to question his fate.

"They are different..." I whispered as Shivaay sighed and looked at me.

"Just lunatics full of hunger for greed, power, and money...Stay away from them. It will be the best for you..." Shivaay said as he appeared to dwell himself into his thoughts.

Is this why Shivaay is so bitter? Shivaay also has a hunger for all these three sins then how is he different from them? It appears he has embraced these three sins as means of survival in his family that is fighting over money. But, why he telling me to stay away? What harm may I get? Should I warn him about his family?

"You should be careful from your family....Bailey Madison was not in the hospital..."

Shivaay chuckled as he laid his head against the seat as I removed the ice pack from his lip. "I know. I figured the minute I saw his face. There was that unusual fear that I sometimes get from employees that are lying to me..."

I rolled my eyes seeing his aggressive demeanor was beginning to pop up...that dangerous side of his...full of greed and power. We sat in silence as the car continued to go down the freeway towards my home. I felt Shivaay stealing glances at me as I looked straight ahead trying to not let him know how the entire night's happenings were running in my mind.

"Anika...I hope you know that I will always be here for you...I will always protect you and support you...And I am sorry...for the way I treated your aggressively tonight at the bridge and then the restroom...and also sorry for how before I failed to stand by you" Shivaay said as I looked back at him. His eyes showing genuineness. Sorry? He is saying sorry...a word he rarely speaks of. He is a man who never admits his mistakes and he is admitting it in front of me. What is happening? I looked at him as I saw him smile weakly seeing a sense of vulnerability in him. At the moment, I don't know why, but I felt like I should believe in this moment, but finding hesistance as he had broke my trust before.

"I want to trust you, but I am scared..."

"You should be after the way I have treated you and broke your trust..."

I wiped my tears away as I realized we were reaching my home. I want to trust you, but then after everything that has happened...it is hard trusting you.

Never would I have thought that this night would end like this. I would have never thought I would meet Shivaay tonight and so much would happen. My mind utterly cluttered and full of conflict and confusion.

It's a lie if I don't say I don't feel anything for Shivaay. Of course, I have something considering how I find comfort in him. I have something inside of me that pushes me to support him even when is all alone. But, one thing I don't have is trust.

"We can have everything Shivaay...physical chemistry, supporting one another, maybe even understanding...but one thing that we can never have is trust. Once trust is broken, it is very hard to build it. Lack of trust is what will never allow us to be...." I stopped as I didn't want to speak more as it was too painful to think what we are and could be.

"Together." Shivaay finished the sentence as the car stopped in front of my home.

I wiped my tears as I bit my lip smiling at the fact at how fate had treated me. How fate had landed me here in this moment when I enjoy being in Shivaay's company, but cannot be in it forever due to bitter memories that have built a fort between us.

"Thank you for saving me tonight and bringing me home. I will see you..." I whispered as I waved at him opening the door.

"One day it will happen..."

"What?" I stopped as I looked back at him.

"My heart tells me that one day we will be together...fate has sealed it tonight....I can feel it and I can see it..." His words pushing me down deeper into concealed thoughts that I hold on to. His words slowly sucking out air from me as I began to think and wonder what he meant.

"I cannot see it..."

"You can, but you don't want to admit it..." Shivaay smiled gently as he squeezed my hand as I looked at him curiously. Without saying another word, I got out of the car closing the door behind me.

"Hey Anika!" I stopped as I turned around seeing Shivaay had rolled down the window.

"Just know that your soul is your ornament. Your beauty is seen in the soul you carry. You don't need to wear something extravagant to be enigmatic. Whatever you wear or carry, the beauty of it becomes because of your soul. Next time, wear and be what you want to be. Choose the one who recognizes this beauty."

Shivaay smiled and waved as I slightly smiled knowing exactly what he meant. He rolled up the window as the car sped away down the road. I felt my cheeks warm up as I ran my hand through my clothes knowing the meaning of his exact words. It's been a long time since I heard him say those words...A long time since I have seen him.

Perhaps, that's why I was so confused and conflicted tonight. That tension and that emptiness consumed me before I saw Shivaay tonight. This emptiness stood for weeks since I had last seen him. The moment he let me go was perhaps the moment I wanted to keep him.

If you wish to encourage me to write further, you may upvote this chapter only if you wish to do so. I really want to know how many readers actually like the storyline, so if yo only wish to do so, you can upvote this chapter only if you liked reading this chapter :)

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